Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric and Cacao Hot Chocolate

So now we've hit November, I really want to help myself and you guys find ways to stay well and feel good in the colder weather. I know how easy it is to slip back into negative thinking as the days become darker and also how good the sun feels on your sore body in the summer, but I'm really embracing the coziness and comfort of the winter this time round. And do you know what? I can actually feel it making a difference to my well being, so I hope I can help you do the same as well.

I love turmeric milk or golden milk, as it's nicknamed. I make it with Rude Health almond milk, which is naturally sweet due to rice that they also use in it and I also add some chai like spices. It's great for helping the body reduce inflammation levels and the almond milk gives it a subtle sweetness, so it tastes really good! But a few weeks back I visited 29 Grains. I'd been before but hadn't noticed the drink on the menu - it was basically like two of my favourite things come together to be even better: Turmeric Hot Chocolate. Mind blown. I have no idea why I had never thought of this awesome combination before. Anyway, I loved it so much I decided to make my own quick and simple version for you all to enjoy, just in time for Bonfire night!

Ingredients:

300 ml Rude Health Almond Milk

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/3 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/3 teaspoon of vanilla powder (or a vanilla pod)

2 teaspoons raw cacao powder

Method:

Combine all the ingredients in a blender.

Add to a saucepan and warm over a low heat, making sure it doesn't boil as this will destroy the nutrients. If you like, keep it under 42c to maintain its raw state, which is when the turmeric and cacao are most beneficial.

Pour into your favourite cup (if you don't have a fav, you need to go get yourself one! Winter essential.) and cosy up in bed or on your sofa. Enjoy. :)

This turmeric hot chocolate helps boost your feel good hormones due to the cacao and as I mentioned earlier, helps reduce inflammation in the body, which is really important for lowering pain levels. Cacao does contain some caffeine though, so be aware of that if you're drinking it regularly. I'm actually planning on making up a big batch to store in the fridge and heat up for my commute to work, but I'll likely alternate between this and turmeric milk alone. I'm pretty excited to walk through the frosty park each morning with a low sugar (from the milk only) healthy hot chocolate. Let me know how and when you drink yours!